Front loader stutters when raised after startup, if tractor parked for a few days

s219 · May 12, 2021

This started happening in the last year or so, and seems to be getting worse.

After I start my L3200 (6 years old, ~270 hours), I lift the bucket off the floor. If it's been parked for a few days, the bucket usually goes up about 6-8", then pauses or stutters for a second before going up the rest of the way (I normally raise it to about 2'). After that it's fine and I don't notice any issues. It's also fine if it's only been parked for a few hours.

I assume air is getting in the lines when the tractor sits parked for a while. I want to see if I can isolate this or trace it. I lowered the 3-pt hitch when I parked the tractor tonight, and will raise that first (before loader) next time I start the tractor. If that stutters it will probably mean a common problem. If not, it probably means this is confined to the loader circuit. Maybe from there I can try to isolate it to the curl or lift circuits.

Anybody seen this before and have any guidance? Fluid level is good and I don't see any leaks anywhere (but that might not mean anything since it seems like air is getting pulled in).

Stan B · May 13, 2021

I wonder if the pickup is getting a bit clogged, and the warmer (thinner) oil is easier to pull past whatever obstruction. I had a similar issue with a HST lawn mower. The drive felt jerky when first started then ran fine after a few minutes. Changed the oil and filter earlier than the maintenance interval suggested and it works perfectly now.

oldnslo · May 13, 2021

S219
Do you let the tractor sit and run for a little before try to raise loader or start and raise as soon as running?

if start and raise possible something is draining back to tank and needs to be refilled at start up.

if starting and waiting the lines between pump, valve, etc should be filled so would not explain what you are experiencing.

these thoughts are based on having a gear pump - open center hydraulics.